Thoroughly Modern Millie

3rd - 7th November 2009, Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

Director: Lou Petch
Musical Director: Alan Humphrey
Choreographer: Heather Couch

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The "Sincere Trust" stenographers dance to forget about the boys    The Priscilla Girls plead with Jimmy to take them into the local speakeasy    Millie's not impressed at Miss Dorothy's flirtations with Trevor    The men think that all this new fashion stuff is the world's rack and ruin

Famous jazz singer Muzzy van Hossmere makes the party swing    Mrs Meers tries a little gentle persuasion on Bun Foo and Ching Ho    Jimmy admires the view from the 20th floor    The company

Millie DillmountMegan Polston
Jimmy SmithJamie Maguire
Miss Dorothy BrownLizi Long
Trevor GraydonChris Strahm
Mrs MeersFreya Smith
Ching HoJames Barker
Bun FooSteve Chapman
Muzzy van HossmereKate Steggles
Miss "Elbows" FlanneryJulia Foulsham
AliceCath Harvey
RuthClaire Jenkins
GloriaMel Sunshine
LucilleHolly Feltner
RitaNicky Wiseman
CoraAlana Self
EthelHarriet Bankes−Ashton
 
Chorus: Phil Amtower, Jo Beresford, Camille Berriman, Hannah Blofield, Eamonn Bull, Stan Chamberlain, Kat Engall, Rebecca Littlechild, Al Marshall, Colin Musgrove, Ben Prosser, Ken Sawyer, Kay Scanlan, Kerry Sirrell, Jackie Strahm

Heels were a-tapping to the up-beat vibes as the cast of Thoroughly Modern Millie pleased the audience of the Theatre Royal.

A Kansas girl goes to Manhattan to marry the richest man she can find - in true 'modern style' - but the convention of love is nothing to do with her plan. Girls sold for white slavery, a superstar role model and finding true friends leads Millie to her happy ending.

A few first night hiccups did not faze the amateur dramatic society, who disguised wardrobe mishaps and the odd missed note with distinctive professionalism. A sophisticated and convincing performance was given by 15-year-old Megan Polston as Millie Dillmount, but the star of the show was Lizi Long, who played Californian sweetheart Dorothy Brown.

A first-timer to the Society, Long gave a solid and consistent performance of the annoyingly sweet character, charming the audience and conquering her soprano part with much grace.

Effective set and bright costumes kept the spirit alive, as did the dance numbers, which were full of energy and well-choreographed.

This is an enjoyable and heart-warming performance that will leave you smiling and tapping along the pavement on your way home.

— Leanne Ehren, Bury Free Press